Ford Focus no start

How to fix a Ford Focus no start condition?

If you have a Ford Focus no start problem, here’s some diagnostic advice. Ford developed their systems to give you some idea of what’s going on even if you don’t own a scan tool. When you turn the key from OFF to RUN, all the warning lights should light. Watch the check engine light as you turn the key to START. As the engine cranks, the check engine light should go out. If it does, that means the PCM is getting a good signal from the crankshaft position sensor CKP. If it stay lit, then it’s not getting signal and there’s no way it’ll start.

Shops are reporting that the wiring harnesses on the 2.0L engines can wick in water and form corrosion or the wire can break, causing a Ford Focus no start condition.

The best way to diagnose this is with a multimeter. But I know you don’t have one, so here’s what you do:

Locate the CKP sensor. It’s below the belt tensioner and next to the harmonic balancer. The wiring harness has a metallic foil to shield the signal. Unplug the electrical connector and remove the plastic sleeve. The shielding sleeve is grounded so you’ll have to resolder the ground connection when you’re done and you must use silver solder to avoid more corrosion. Then bend the white and red wires to find a break or nick. Look for a break about 4” up from the connector. A broken wire will bend easily, while a complete wire will offer some resistance.

Splice the broken wire and resolder the grounding shield wire. Use a shrink wrap tube with hot melt adhesive inside to seal the repair. Apply hot glue to the wires as they come out of the harness to seal that as well.

Reconnect the connector and try to start the engine. If the check engine light goes out, the repair is successful and you’ve fixed your Ford Focus no start problem.

©. Rick Muscoplat